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Technical 1988 Panda 4x4

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Technical 1988 Panda 4x4

Ben in France

Ben in France

Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2020
Messages
11
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Location
Ladignac Le Long
Hi, new to the forum and just posted in the newbie section.
We have a 1988 Panda 4x4 (50hp) and I'm scratching my head a bit. Changed the cambelt and waterpump. New points, condensor, plugs, leads, cap and rotor arm. And still can't seem to get it running right. The timing mark seems to dash about all over the place and the distributor is almost at full turn to get it near the mark. I thought I may have got it a tooth out on the belt but re checked it and that seems fine.
I have also stripped the carburettor and changed the gaskets etc but still can't seem to get it running ok. It will stay running when its warm, but from cold is really messes about.

Any ideas what I am doing wrong? I've been a mechanic since leaving school back in the early 90's so I'm not a newcomer to points and setting cars up (did my apprenticeship at a garage that restored classic cars). Not sure if I've missed something or if I should be looking at something on these very basic cars.
 

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Ben in France said:
Hi, new to the forum and just posted in the newbie section.
We have a 1988 Panda 4x4 (50hp) and I'm scratching my head a bit. Changed the cambelt and waterpump. New points, condensor, plugs, leads, cap and rotor arm. And still can't seem to get it running right. The timing mark seems to dash about all over the place and the distributor is almost at full turn to get it near the mark. I thought I may have got it a tooth out on the belt but re checked it and that seems fine.
I have also stripped the carburettor and changed the gaskets etc but still can't seem to get it running ok. It will stay running when its warm, but from cold is really messes about.

Any ideas what I am doing wrong? I've been a mechanic since leaving school back in the early 90's so I'm not a newcomer to points and setting cars up (did my apprenticeship at a garage that restored classic cars). Not sure if I've missed something or if I should be looking at something on these very basic cars.
Click to expand...
Disconnect vacuum advance vacuum pipe when setting timing?
The distributor fitted to mk1 panda with fire engine was awful even when new, that could be your problem.

The electronic ignition distributor and coil fitted to early uno with fire engine is a massive improvement, if you can find one. It only needs two wires connecting, switched live (positive feed to old points coil) and a ground.

Bon chance
 
Ps it looks great. Where in Belle France are you?
 
We are in the Haute Vienne, previously we lived in the Charente! Wanted to get out in the countryside a bit more and have more land, which might sound odd now I'm in a wheelchair.

I did remove the vacuum pipe on the distributor and adjusted the idle as it almost dies when you pull the pipe off. So guessing the vacuum advance is working.

I have read that the carb could be worn out, mixture screw doesn't seem to make much difference when screwing in or out.
 
andyholli said:
Hi Ben
I have a spare carb if you'd like to come and try it,we're back in Charente 1hr 50mins away from you.
Best wishes.
Click to expand...
We've just moved from the Charente! Might try getting rid of the points distributor first and then see if the mixture screw has been chewed up. I keep getting her nagging at me for spending any more money on it, so I have to be a bit stealthy.
 
No idea how many miles on your panda but the Webber carbs are usually very durable.

Timing mark jumping around all over the place under timing light points toward ignition fault/s.

Best wishes

Jack
 
Ben in France said:
We've just moved from the Charente! Might try getting rid of the points distributor first and then see if the mixture screw has been chewed up. I keep getting her nagging at me for spending any more money on it, so I have to be a bit stealthy.
Click to expand...

I understand. no charge for a trial. Here when you can drop in.:)
 
Well after a bit more tinkering and many thanks to Jackwhoo, I think we may have it sorted.
Fitted an electronic distributor and coil, set the timing and had a fettle with the carb and it seems to be running a lot better.
Just got to get her indoors to get familiar with using a choke again.
 
Hi Ben. I'm a newbie to the forum as well. I live near Brantome, which is about 45 mins from your location. I have a couple of non 4X4 MK1 Pandas, the bodyshell of one which I hope to use to restore a rusty 4X4 (when the wife lets me!). I also have an MGB and TT which I use in local car rallies which I organise. I'm doing one in April near Challus to commemorate Sir Sirling Moss's death last year. Ping me if you are interested in getting in touch. Cheers. Martin Felton 0553 461713 / 0685 259625
 
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